vast library

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vast library" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large collection of books, resources, or information, often in a metaphorical sense to indicate a wealth of knowledge. Example: "The internet serves as a vast library, offering access to information on virtually any topic imaginable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Kidd is no stranger to Japan's vast library of graphic commercial and popular art.

The New Yorker

She had built up a vast library of experiences over the years, she went on.

The New Yorker

A vast library could be created of brilliant, sour, funny divorce novels, films and songs.

Independent

John was an avid reader and had a vast library particularly books of an historical nature.

The New York Times

So he whiles away the time before death in burning the books in his vast library.

The Guardian

This six-CD-ROM program for Windows includes a vast library of clip art and templates.

The New York Times - Tech

A search of Ali's house after his arrest uncovered a vast library of lectures by Awlaki.

The Guardian

Microsoft keeps a vast library of technical articles on its Web site at support.microsoft.com/search.microsoft.com/search

The New York Times - Tech

Prowling the stacks of Yale's vast library, I sometimes felt giddy with excitement.

The New Yorker

The internet established itself in academic institutions and is a vast library of information.

The Guardian - Tech

A vast library with high, arched Victorian doorways and, seemingly, tens of thousands of volumes.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vast library" when emphasizing the sheer size and scope of the collection. It effectively conveys the idea of a seemingly endless amount of information or resources.

Common error

Avoid using "vast library" when referring to smaller, more curated collections. This diminishes the impact of the phrase and could mislead your audience. Use a more precise term like "selected collection" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vast library" functions as a noun phrase, where 'vast' modifies the noun 'library'. It describes the large size or scope of a collection of books or information resources. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vast library" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a large collection of books or information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's applicable across different contexts, most commonly in news, academic, and scientific domains. While the phrase typically implies a physical space, it can metaphorically refer to extensive digital resources. For precision, consider alternatives like "extensive collection" or "comprehensive archive", but remember that "vast library" effectively emphasizes scale and scope.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Extensive collection of books

Focuses specifically on books, which might not be the case with a "vast library" that can include other types of media.

Extensive digital collection

Highlights the digital medium but could be anything not necessarily books.

Immense repository of knowledge

Emphasizes the knowledge aspect, rather than the physical or digital space implied by "library".

Comprehensive digital resource

Refers to electronic resources not exclusively books or similar.

Comprehensive archive

Implies a historical or curated collection, which may not always be the case for a "vast library".

Substantial database

Suggests a digital format and structured organization, whereas a "vast library" can be less organized and in various formats.

Large assortment of resources

Broader in scope, referring to any kind of resources, not limited to textual or informational ones as a "vast library" usually is.

Wide-ranging compilation

Highlights the act of compiling information, suggesting a deliberate selection process, which may not be present in a "vast library".

Considerable volume of data

Specifically refers to data, implying a quantitative aspect, unlike a "vast library" that emphasizes content variety.

Profuse accumulation of information

Focuses on the accumulation process and the abundance of information, whereas "vast library" suggests an existing collection.

FAQs

How can I use "vast library" in a sentence?

You can use "vast library" to describe a large collection of books or information resources. For example: "The internet is a "vast library" of knowledge, accessible to anyone with a connection."

What can I say instead of "vast library"?

Alternatives to "vast library" include "extensive collection", "immense repository", or "comprehensive archive", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to describe a digital archive as a "vast library"?

While "vast library" typically refers to a physical collection of books, it can be used metaphorically to describe a large digital archive. However, using terms like "extensive database" or "digital repository" may be more precise.

What's the difference between "vast library" and "extensive collection"?

"Vast library" emphasizes the sheer size and scope of a collection, often implying a wide range of resources. "Extensive collection" focuses on the comprehensiveness and thoroughness of the gathering. Depending on the context, they can be used interchangeably, but "vast library" has a stronger sense of scale.